Traveling by SkyTrain gave us panoramic views of the city. The train mostly ran on elevated tracks, at other times we were underground, We arrived at the Waterfront station, exited the Skytrain, and were confused as to which direction to go. A lady was kind of enough to tell us the door to go out, then to take a left when we got outside. As we approach the turnstiles, we realized we needed our tickets to get out of the terminal. This was the first time we had ever used a ticket to leave a subway, train station or airport. Our tickets were found after digging into pockets and bags. After walking for a few minutes, we had doubts we were going in the right direction. A food cart vendor confirmed we were going correctly, just walk a few more blocks, take a right on ??? street and look for …
It was 4:15 a.m. and Rick was right on time to take us to the airport for a 6:05 flight. As we prepared to land in Denver, we were greeted by the sun rising. After a very short wait, we boarded our plane to Vancouver and was treated to a new snack. It was very tasty and decided we needed to order some when we got home. After arriving at the hotel and storing our luggage, we found a Tim Horton just around the corner for some food. Tim Hortons is a Canadian restaurant chain known for its coffee, doughnuts and connection to Canada’s national identity. As we ate our breakfast sandwiches, we were approached by a homeless man requesting food. It seems that there are over 600 homeless living on the streets of Vancouver and over 1600 living in shelters, detox centers, safe houses and hospitals, with no fixed …
Our visit to the Shetlar family lake house on Pomme de Terre Lake included an outing to Lead Mine. It was a 30 to 40 minute drive back into the Missouri country side. The community is located about 3.5 miles east of Tunas on Missouri Route E and approximately 50 miles north-northeast of Springfield, The Lead Mine community is made up of 50 to 60 Old Order Mennonite families. These Mennonites left Lancaster, Penn., in 1969 and settled in Missouri because land was cheaper. Most people thing they are Amish but they are members of Stauffer Mennonite Church. It is a small conservative sector with similarities to the Amish. Most Mennonite are more modern than this group and use electricity. First we stopped at the produce auction. Mennonites are known worldwide for their farming practices and in the summer, many families sell their produce. We wanted to purchase some of …
I tagged this post as an injury but Dupuytren’s contracture is not really an injury. It is an abnormal thickening and tightening of the normally elastic tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers. This tissue, fascia, contains strands of fibers, like cords, that run from the palm upward into the fingers. When these cords tighten, or contract, it causes the fingers to curl forward. In severe cases, it can lead to crippling hand deformities. This is why Steve had to have surgery on his hand on the 7th of August. The Dupuytren disease had been getting worse over the years and got to the point he no longer could straighten his pinky finger straight out. It had also become very painful and was becoming harder for him to do certain things with his hand. The cause of Dupuytren’s disease, is unknown, but certain biochemical factors that affect the …
When we first reached the Helona Blowhole area we stopped at an overlook area thinking that this was where the blowhole was located. We soon realized it was not. It was a place to look at the coast line. Further down Hanauma Bay we found Helona Blowhole. The blowhole is created by water being forced through a lava tube and into the air. On windy days when the tide is high, the ocean breeze sends the waves rolling onto the shore where the tube then shoots a spray high into the air like a geyser. When the wave conditions are right, water can shoot up to 30 feet! After the lava tube explodes, the water recedes as the waves rush away from the shore. Hawaii’s most recognized landmark is known for its historic hiking trail, stunning coastal views and military history. We hiked to the summit which is 763 feet …
The Kelly’s picked us up at the cruise port and we were off to Aulani, a beachfront paradise, for two days of relaxation. Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, sets on the white sandy shores of O’ahu in Ko Olina. Upon our arrival we were presented with leis. By this time we were getting a very large collection! We left the car with the valet and was taken to our 1,100 square foot accommodations. Our room was amazing. We had an ocean view parlor suite that also looked down on the lazy river as well as a great view of the ocean. Later in the day we grabbed a tube and let the gentle current carry us through the Waikolohe Valley Lazy River. There were rock formations caverns and fountain springs that offer bursts of cooling refreshment. The Waikolohe Pool was a 8,200 zero entry pool with a thrilling tunnel …
The Pride of America docked in Nawiliwili Harbor, on the island’s southeast coast, near the town of Lihue. We hopped on the Harbor Trolley to the beaches of Kalapaki Bay. We enjoyed the refreshing water, the sandy beach and watching boats coming and going. We stopped in at Kalapaki Joe’s for drinks. After a morning in Nawiliwili Kauai, we headed back to the ship for a relaxing afternoon. The ship was hosting a sail away barbecue pool party, as we sailed out of Kauai, we went poolside and enjoyed the live music from the ships band “The Wave.” After awhile we moved from a table to the lounge chairs and the pool. We had a great waitress, who keep our drinks full, even when we were in the pool. No need to get out and go to the bar, she was right there checking on us, calling us by our …
Kauas origins are volcanic, the island having been formed at approximately six million years ago, is the oldest of the main islands. One of the wettest spots on earth, with an annual average rainfall of 460 inches, is located on the east side of Mount WaiÊ»aleÊ»ale. The high annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many scenic waterfalls. Outside of the port, there were lots of buses to take hundreds of people off to their adventures for the day. Oral traditions tell of the sacred births of Kaua`inui and Wailuanuiho`ano and the establishment of this area as a birthing site reserved for royalty. These ancient stones were synonymous with both birth and death in ancient times. Pregnant women carrying Kauai’s unborn royalty were led here to give birth. The location was also used to sacrifice enemy warriors and others unfortunate people to the …
We watched as the crew as they lowered the life boats down to tender us to the shore. We picked up tender tickets and was off to Kailua-Kona was the first royal capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii. There were historical landmarks within walking distance of the pier including a Heiau (temple), the first Christian church in Hawaii and a summer palace. A painter was doing a landscape of these in the distance. The water was so clear you could see the bottom with many rocks. Back from Hattie’s we stopped in at Splashers Grill for drinks and apps, before heading back to the tenders. Out in the bay the Atlantis Submarine, a 48 passenger submarine, was docked. The sub was featured in National Geographic television specials. We hopped on a shuttle to Hilo Hattie’s, the store of Hawaii. They carry a wide selection of Hawaii attire. We wore are …